Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Organizing Committee receives numerous complaints due to the Seven-Man Team's actions, causing heavy losses for bettors.
• The Organizing Committee announces penalties for teaming up, with Shells falling every three hours, increasing in number each time.
• Alice encounters a Wolf Pack on her way to the Weapon Warehouse and has to spend a day hiding in a tree.
• On the second day, Alice reaches the Weapon Warehouse but can't open the tightly closed door and decides to hide and observe.
• The Federal General Election vote counting is halfway through, with Conner in the lead but not by much. The votes in Swing States are evenly divided.

Character Developments

• Alice becomes more cautious and strategic in her gameplay.
• Conner shows signs of stress and desperation as the election results remain uncertain.

Significant Themes

• Luck and Strategy: Alice's luck runs out, and she has to rely on her wits to survive. Conner's campaign relies on luck (votes on the road) and strategic planning.
• Teamwork vs. Lone Wolf: The Organizing Committee's penalties discourage teamwork, favoring lone survivors. In the election, Conner's campaign struggles against the Conservative Party's strategy to divide votes.

Character Interactions

• Alice encounters two other Players but decides not to engage in combat, focusing on survival and the prize.
• Conner discusses strategies with his team to secure the election victory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Conner asks Lin Qi to stay behind after a campaign event.
• Conner expresses concern about the close election results and the uncertainty in Swing States.
• Conner hints at and eventually explicitly asks Lin Qi to manipulate votes in his favor.
• Lin Qi agrees to the plan and begins preparations.
• Lin Qi plans to replace ballots in certain states to ensure Conner's victory.

Character Developments

• Conner: Shows desperation to win the election, willing to resort to fraud.
• Lin Qi: Demonstrates loyalty and willingness to engage in unethical activities to help Conner win.

Significant Themes

• Power and corruption: Conner's willingness to manipulate votes highlights the theme of political corruption and the lengths powerful figures will go to maintain their influence.
• Manipulation and deceit: The characters engage in manipulation and deceit, both in their actions and their conversations, to achieve their goals.

Character Interactions

• Conner and Lin Qi: Their interaction reveals their shared understanding and willingness to engage in unethical activities. Conner's explicit request and Lin Qi's immediate agreement show their close relationship and mutual trust.
• Lin Qi and the Director: Their interaction shows the Director's loyalty and willingness to assist Lin Qi in his plan, without questioning the morality of their actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Noel successfully steals Voting Stations and Voting Cards with Lin Qi's instructions.
• Fern's team steals Voting Cards from various Voting Stations.
• Bu Peien arranges for a Transport Aircraft to transport the votes due to the railway shutdown.
• Conner wins the election with a slight advantage, and the Conservative Party Candidate questions the results, alleging Conner cheated.

Character Developments

• Noel demonstrates his efficiency and skill in executing Lin Qi's plans.
• Fern shows initiative in expanding the Voting Card theft operation.
• Conner maintains confidence in his victory despite the close race.
• The Conservative Party Candidate shows desperation and frustration in the face of defeat.

Significant Themes

• Power Struggle: The intense competition between Conner and the Conservative Party Candidate reflects the theme of power struggle.
• Deception and Manipulation: The use of stolen Voting Stations and Cards to manipulate votes highlights the theme of deception and manipulation in politics.
• Resilience: Conner's ability to maintain composure and confidence despite the close race and allegations of cheating showcases his resilience.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and Noel work together to execute their plan, with Lin Qi providing instructions and Noel carrying them out.
• Fern takes initiative in expanding the Voting Card theft operation, showing independence and resourcefulness.
• Conner and the Conservative Party Candidate engage in a power struggle, with both sides accusing the other of cheating in the election.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Conner questions Lin Qi about the vote-switching issue, expressing nervousness about potential exposure.
• The Conservative Party files a protest with Congress, demanding a review of the election results or a revote, and plans to investigate Conner's possible culpability.
• Lin Qi reveals his plan to cover up the vote-switching by using the excuse of improving ballot box security, and suggests framing the Conservative Party for voter bribery in Swing States.
• Lin Qi proposes a cover story for the Guards' deaths in the North, attributing it to an attack by a Maliro separatist organization.
• Conner invites Lin Qi to a Family Banquet, solidifying their friendship and trust.

Character Developments

• Conner becomes more reliant on Lin Qi's strategic mind and starts to see him as an invaluable asset.
• Lin Qi remains calm and confident, demonstrating his ability to handle complex situations.
• Conner's family is introduced, showing their support for Conner's political career.

Significant Themes

• Power and manipulation: Conner and Lin Qi manipulate the situation to maintain Conner's lead in the election.
• Trust and friendship: Conner's trust in Lin Qi grows, leading to a deeper friendship.
• Political intrigue: The Conservative Party's actions and Conner's internal party conflicts highlight the cutthroat nature of politics.

Character Interactions

• Conner and Lin Qi discuss the election's aftermath, with Conner seeking reassurance and Lin Qi providing solutions.
• Conner invites Lin Qi to a Family Banquet, indicating his acceptance of Lin Qi into his inner circle.
• Conner's family interacts with Lin Qi, showing their support for Conner's political ambitions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Conner and Lin Qi attend a family banquet dinner at Conner's villa.
• Lin Qi brings expensive Kolef and cigarettes as gifts, highlighting the nature of family banquets as more casual and personal than general visits.
• Conner smokes one of Lin Qi's Signature Edition cigarettes, which are highly customized and expensive.
• Conner asks Lin Qi about his thoughts on the overseas voting results, particularly from Maliro and Nagaril.

Character Developments

• Conner: Shows his political acumen by discussing the overseas votes with Lin Qi and giving his son an opportunity to share his insights.
• Lin Qi: Demonstrates his strategic thinking and understanding of international relations by analyzing the reasons behind Maliro's acceptance of Federal rule.
• Conner's son: Shows potential by providing a reasonable analysis of the situation but also reveals his lack of experience and depth in understanding geopolitics.

Significant Themes

• The influence of military power on international relations and politics.
• The difference between political, economic, cultural, and military factors in international relations.
• The importance of understanding the deeper aspects of geopolitics.

Character Interactions

• Conner and Lin Qi engage in a political discussion, with Conner testing his son's understanding of the situation.
• Conner's wife and daughter are present but do not actively participate in the conversation.
• Conner's son interacts with Lin Qi and Conner, seeking to impress them with his analysis.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The General Election dispute continues, with the Conservative and Progressive Parties attacking each other.
• The Socialist Party Leader calls for restraint but is ignored.
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigates alleged vote rigging, focusing on Swing States and the North.
• In the Swing States, evidence of bribery is found, but Capitalists deny involvement.
• In the North, an extremist organization attacks the Guard transporting supplies, killing everyone and looting the supplies.

Character Developments

• Conner, the Socialist Party candidate, is calm and confident, claiming his victory despite allegations of fraud.
• The Conservative Party candidate is defiant, refusing to concede and accusing Conner of theft.
• The Speaker of the Congress Senate tries to mediate but fails, leading to a stalemate.

Significant Themes

• Political corruption and manipulation.
• The power dynamics between political parties and Capitalists.
• The struggle for power and control in politics.
• The impact of political disputes on the functioning of the government.

Character Interactions

• Conner and the Conservative Party candidate engage in a tense standoff, refusing to concede.
• The Speaker of the Congress Senate attempts to mediate between Conner and the Conservative Party candidate but fails.
• Capitalists use their influence to manipulate employees' votes and avoid investigation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Negotiations between Conner and the Conservative Party Candidate fail, leading to a potential re-vote.
• Conner returns to his campaign office, worried about a re-vote and the Conservative Party's influence in Congress.
• The Capitalists' voting control method is revealed, using company-based voting stations to monitor employee votes.
• Lin Qi suggests fighting with the Conservative Party Candidate and investigating him to prevent a re-vote.
• Conner prepares to expose the Conservative Party Candidate's black material and practices boxing for an upcoming fight.
• A Senate meeting is called to resolve the matter, and Conner attacks the Conservative Party Candidate during the meeting.

Character Developments

• Conner becomes increasingly desperate and willing to use underhanded tactics to win the election.
• The Conservative Party Candidate remains uncompromising and underestimates Conner's actions.
• Lin Qi demonstrates strategic thinking and a lack of moral qualms in his political advice.

Significant Themes

• The influence of Capitalists and their control over employees' votes.
• The desperation and ruthlessness of political campaigns.
• The use of underhanded tactics and investigations in politics.

Character Interactions

• Conner and the Conservative Party Candidate's animosity escalates, leading to a physical altercation.
• Conner seeks Lin Qi's advice and follows his strategy.
• The Congress members attempt to mediate but fail, leading to Conner's aggressive outburst.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Conner, in a sudden outburst, physically attacks the Conservative Party Candidate in the Senate, punching him repeatedly while mounted on him.
• The incident becomes a viral sensation, with Conner gaining the nickname "Boxing President" and increasing his popularity among younger voters.
• The Conservative Party Candidate, humiliated, vows to win the election and exact revenge on Conner. He orders an investigation into the airport incident and plans to manipulate public opinion.

Character Developments

• Conner: Becomes more assertive and confident after the altercation, winning him more support from Progressive Party Senators and Capitalists.
• Conservative Party Candidate: Becomes more determined to win the election, focusing on damage control and investigation to expose any irregularities.

Significant Themes

• Power and Humiliation: The Conservative Party Candidate's humiliation in the Senate fuels his desire to win and regain his dignity.
• Public Opinion and Media Influence: The media's portrayal of the incident significantly impacts public perception and support for Conner.
• Political Manipulation: Both candidates engage in political maneuvering to gain an advantage, with the Conservative Party Candidate attempting to sway public opinion and influence investigations.

Character Interactions

• Conner vs. Conservative Party Candidate: Their physical altercation highlights Conner's newfound assertiveness and the Conservative Party Candidate's vulnerability.
• Progressive Party Senators: They begin to rally behind Conner, seeing him as a stronger candidate after the incident.
• Capitalists: Some wavering Capitalists express support for Conner, fearing the consequences of opposing him.
• Conservative Party Candidate's Team: They work to protect their candidate's image, investigate the airport incident, and manipulate public opinion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Conservative Party Candidate struggles to face his family after being punched by Conner, fearing it will damage his image and make him seem vulnerable.
• He warns his sons to stay out of trouble and sends his youngest son abroad to avoid potential legal issues.
• The youngest son is arrested by the FBI on charges of illegal project acquisition and bribing federal officials.
• The Candidate sends his own security team to investigate the Northern vote fraud case but finds the key witness dead from an apparent accident.

Character Developments

• The Candidate is shown to be more concerned about his public image than his family's well-being, even sending his son away to protect his own political future.
• The youngest son shows remorse and cooperation when arrested, indicating a level of maturity and acceptance of his actions.
• Conner and Lin Qi are portrayed as ruthless and calculating, willing to silence anyone who gets in their way.

Significant Themes

• Political Image and Family: The Candidate's struggle to balance his public image and family life highlights the tension between personal and political responsibilities.
• Corruption and Power: The youngest son's arrest and the Candidate's use of his own security team emphasize the prevalence of corruption and the abuse of power in politics.
• Ruthlessness in Politics: Conner and Lin Qi's actions underscore the cutthroat nature of politics and the lengths some will go to secure victory.

Character Interactions

• The Candidate interacts with his sons, warning them to stay out of trouble and sending the youngest son away.
• The Candidate's security team interacts with the families of the deceased witnesses, finding no useful information.
• The Candidate's interactions with Conner and Lin Qi are implied through his thoughts and plans, showing his growing respect and fear of their ruthlessness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Conservative Party Candidate starts investigating Conner's past for dirt.
• Conner realizes his past actions could be seen as bribery.
• Conner considers using National Security Committee for investigation.
• Conner's boxing incident sparks a public opinion carnival, with toys and merchandise selling well.
• The Conservative Party Candidate's youngest son is being questioned by the FBI.

Character Developments

• The Conservative Party Candidate becomes more desperate to find a way to defeat Conner.
• Conner reflects on his past actions and their potential consequences.

Significant Themes

• Hypocrisy and double standards in politics.
• The power of public opinion and its influence on society.
• The blurred line between legality and morality.

Character Interactions

• The Conservative Party Candidate and his youngest son.
• Conner and the public, as his boxing incident gains widespread attention.
• The FBI and the Conservative Party Candidate's youngest son.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Conservative Party Candidate's son is interrogated by the FBI about a substandard construction project.
• The FBI reveals they have evidence of the project's poor quality and are building a case against him.
• The son's lawyer advises him to confess, hoping for leniency, but warns that only his father becoming President can save him now.

Character Developments

• The son shows initial arrogance and denial, but becomes increasingly desperate and panicked as the severity of his situation becomes clear.
• The father, a Councilor, is initially unaware of his son's predicament but becomes involved and starts considering his own potential legal issues.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and its consequences.
• The power dynamics between political figures and law enforcement agencies.
• The influence of money and business interests on politics.

Character Interactions

• The son and the FBI agent engage in a tense interrogation, with the agent using psychological tactics to unnerve the son.
• The son and his lawyer discuss the case privately, with the lawyer advising him to confess and seek his father's help.
• The father and his lawyer discuss the son's situation and the potential impact on the father's political career. The father decides to involve his other son and consider his own legal vulnerabilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A man is killed in his office by a professional gunman who uses a silenced handgun.
• The Conservative Party Candidate reports the murder to the Police.
• The Police, City Prosecutor, and Director discuss the case and decide to treat it as a burglary homicide to avoid further investigation.
• The Conservative Party Candidate decides to withdraw from the Presidential race after the murder of his subordinate.

Character Developments

• The Conservative Party Candidate becomes increasingly fearful and decides to withdraw from the race after the murder of his subordinate.
• The Chairman of the Conservative Party Committee is hesitant about the candidate's decision to withdraw.

Significant Themes

• Power struggles and corruption in politics.
• The consequences of involving oneself in dangerous political games.
• The fear and uncertainty that comes with being entangled in complex political webs.

Character Interactions

• The Conservative Party Candidate interacts with the Police, providing minimal information due to fear and political considerations.
• The Police, City Prosecutor, and Director interact, deciding to close the case to avoid political repercussions.
• The Conservative Party Candidate interacts with the Chairman of the Conservative Party Committee, expressing his desire to withdraw from the race.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Conservative Party Chairman calls Lin Qi to arrange a meeting with the Conservative Party Candidate.
• The Candidate, feeling threatened, realizes he must choose between continuing the fight with Conner or accepting defeat.
• The Chairman of the Conservative Party meets with Lin Qi, suggesting a truce and offering to help Catherine, the Progressive Party Candidate.

Character Developments

• The Conservative Party Candidate becomes more aware of the danger he's in and the potential consequences of his actions.
• Lin Qi demonstrates his political acumen and willingness to help Catherine, showing his growth as a political figure.
• Conner shows his reliance on Lin Qi's judgment and willingness to accept a peaceful resolution if it's presented to him.

Significant Themes

• Power Struggles: The competition between Conner and the Conservative Party Candidate highlights the theme of power struggles in politics.
• Consequences of Actions: The Candidate's realization of the potential consequences of his actions underscores the theme of cause and effect.
• Alliances and Friendships: The relationship between the old man and the Conservative Party Chairman, as well as Lin Qi's willingness to help Catherine, emphasizes the importance of alliances and friendships in politics.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and the Conservative Party Chairman: Their interaction shows mutual respect and understanding, with the Chairman seeking Lin Qi's help to persuade the Candidate.
• Lin Qi and Conner: Their conversation reveals Conner's trust in Lin Qi's judgment and his willingness to accept a peaceful resolution.
• The Conservative Party Candidate and Lin Qi: Though they don't interact directly in this chapter, the Candidate's thoughts about Lin Qi and Conner show his growing fear and realization of their power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Conner, a Federal Advanced Level Politician, reflects on his background and the similarities among politicians at his level.
• Conner decides to let Lin Qi handle the situation with the Conservative Party Candidate, hoping for a peaceful resolution.
• The Conservative Party Candidate decides to concede defeat after considering the potential consequences of a direct fight with Conner.
• Conner receives a call from the Conservative Party Committee Chairman, who suggests a meeting to discuss ending the matter.
• Conner is excited about the prospect of becoming the new Federal President and wants to share the good news with Lin Qi.

Character Developments

• Conner shows his desire to maintain his purity and avoid illegal or immoral actions, despite being an elite politician.
• The Conservative Party Candidate demonstrates strategic thinking by deciding to concede defeat to avoid potential backlash from Conner and Lin Qi.
• Conner's trust in Lin Qi grows as he successfully handles the situation with the Conservative Party Candidate.

Significant Themes

• Elitism: The chapter explores the background and similarities of high-level politicians, highlighting their privileged upbringing and elite education.
• Power Dynamics: The struggle between Conner and the Conservative Party Candidate illustrates the power dynamics at play in politics.
• Trust and Loyalty: Conner's trust in Lin Qi grows as he successfully handles the situation, emphasizing the importance of trust and loyalty in their relationship.

Character Interactions

• Conner and Lin Qi maintain a close working relationship, with Lin Qi handling the situation with the Conservative Party Candidate.
• The Conservative Party Candidate and the Conservative Party Committee Chairman discuss the situation and decide to concede defeat.
• Conner and the Conservative Party Committee Chairman discuss the possibility of ending the matter peacefully.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Socialist Party Candidate discusses strategies with his supporters, predicting the fall of either the Progressive or Conservative Party Candidate.
• The candidate reveals that the luxurious manor they're in is owned by overseas capitalists who have invested heavily in the Federal's economy.
• The candidate suggests manipulating the election to become the first presidential alternate Candidate (Vice President) by exposing scandals and causing one of the main candidates to drop out.

Character Developments

• The Socialist Party Candidate shows ambition, political acumen, and a lack of scruples, willing to be a "good dog" to achieve his goals.
• Overseas capitalists are portrayed as calculating and risk-averse, willing to invest more to gain influence but hesitant to take unnecessary risks.

Significant Themes

• The influence of capital on politics and the intertwining of the two.
• The manipulation of elections and the lack of fairness in politics.
• The struggle for power and influence among political parties.

Character Interactions

• The Socialist Party Candidate interacts with overseas capitalists, convincing them to support his plan to become Vice President.
• The candidate shows no qualms about manipulating the election and causing harm to other candidates, demonstrating his ruthlessness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Socialist Party Candidate plans to discredit the Conservative Party Candidate by fabricating an affair to force him to withdraw from the election.
• The Conservative Party Candidate surrenders to Conner, acknowledging his defeat in the election.
• The Conservative Party Candidate's youngest son is released on bail and returns home, expressing concern about his father's election status.

Character Developments

• The Socialist Party Candidate is shown to be cunning and manipulative, willing to stoop to unethical levels to win the election.
• The Conservative Party Candidate demonstrates political acumen by accepting defeat gracefully and focusing on his family's well-being.
• The youngest son of the Conservative Party Candidate shows resilience and loyalty by not revealing family information during his interrogation.

Significant Themes

• Identity and Belonging: The Federal's multi-ethnic society struggles with accepting immigrants, even those who have lived there for generations.
• Power and Influence: The Conservative Party Candidate's status as a Vice President affords him certain protections and privileges, illustrating the power dynamics in the Federal.
• Manipulation and Deception: Both the Socialist and Conservative Party Candidates engage in political maneuvering, highlighting the cutthroat nature of politics.

Character Interactions

• The Socialist Party Candidate and the Capitalists discuss their plan to discredit the Conservative Party Candidate, demonstrating a united front.
• The Conservative Party Candidate and his family discuss the youngest son's situation, showing a close-knit family dynamic.
• Conner and the Conservative Party Candidate meet privately, showing a thawing of their public animosity, possibly indicating an understanding or agreement between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi, Conner, and the Conservative Party Candidate meet to discuss the election.
• Conner and the Conservative Party Candidate reach an understanding, with Conner promising to share power.
• Lin Qi suggests targeting the Socialist Party's overseas capital ties as a distraction.
• The Conservative Party Candidate leaves the meeting, and Conner asks Lin Qi if he'd eliminate him if necessary. Lin Qi responds that he will if Conner deems it necessary.
• Two days later, the Congress holds another Senate meeting to discuss the election.

Character Developments

• Conner becomes more calm and collected, accepting the Conservative Party Candidate's surrender.
• The Conservative Party Candidate gives up his candidacy, prioritizing his safety and the "greater good" of the Federal.
• Lin Qi demonstrates his political acumen and willingness to act on Conner's behalf.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and compromise in politics.
• Fear as a motivator for change in political decisions.
• The influence of overseas capital on domestic politics.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi, Conner, and the Conservative Party Candidate discuss the election and their respective roles.
• Conner and Lin Qi have a private conversation about the Conservative Party Candidate's fate.
• The Conservative Party Candidate meets with a mysterious woman, hinting at potential political intrigue or manipulation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the theme of human reproduction and desire, with a focus on the political implications of sexual culture in the Federal society.
• A lady visits the Conservative Party Candidate, seeking his help to resolve a business issue related to import and export trade policies.
• The candidate is distracted by the lady's appearance but manages to focus on her problem, which involves a sudden change in trade policies that could lead to her company's bankruptcy.

Character Developments

• The Conservative Party Candidate is shown to be susceptible to temptation, as he is initially distracted by the lady's appearance. However, he maintains his composure and professionalism when addressing her issue.
• The lady is portrayed as determined and resourceful, as she actively seeks help and is willing to pay any price to save her business.

Significant Themes

• Sexual Culture and Politics: The chapter explores the influence of sexual culture on politics, with politicians being expected to engage in various forms of corruption, including sexual favors.
• Power and Capital: The Federal society is depicted as one where capital holds significant power, and policies are designed to serve the interests of capital.
• Desire and Control: The chapter discusses the strength and uncontrollability of desires, particularly in more intelligent species like humans.

Character Interactions

• The interaction between the Conservative Party Candidate and the lady is marked by tension and subtle flirtation. The candidate is initially distracted by her appearance but maintains a professional demeanor while discussing her business issue. The lady, on the other hand, is direct and persistent in her pursuit of his help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Conservative Party Candidate instructs his assistant to investigate the troubled Lady who approached him.
• The assistant confirms the Lady's financial struggles and reports back to the candidate.
• The candidate meets with his team and Capitalist supporters to discuss "surrendering" in the election, using Lin Qi's influence to convince them.
• The candidate visits a private Manor for a tryst with the Lady, expecting a transaction in exchange for her favors.

Character Developments

• The Conservative Party Candidate is revealed to be a womanizer, seeking pleasure and power.
• The Lady is shown to be manipulative, using her body and the candidate's desires to further her goals.

Significant Themes

• Power and corruption in politics.
• Manipulation and exploitation of others for personal gain.
• The influence of wealth and status in society.

Character Interactions

• The Conservative Party Candidate and his assistant: The candidate gives orders, and the assistant follows them without question.
• The candidate and his team/Capitalist supporters: They discuss the election, with the candidate using Lin Qi's influence to convince them to accept his decision.
• The candidate and the Lady: They engage in a transactional relationship, with the candidate expecting sexual favors in exchange for help with her financial troubles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Socialist Party Candidate (SPC) meets with a woman in a remote house to receive evidence against the Conservative Party Candidate (CPC).
• The woman gives SPC a tape recording of her and CPC engaged in sexual acts and discussing a deal.
• SPC pays the woman to clear her debts and they agree to never meet again.
• SPC plays the recording and becomes excited about CPC's perversion.
• The recording is leaked during the Senate meeting, causing a public scandal.

Character Developments

• SPC: Becomes more determined to win the election after receiving the incriminating evidence.
• CPC: Struggles to deny the accusations and tries to find out who leaked the recording.
• The Woman: Resolves her debt problem and ends her relationship with SPC.

Significant Themes

• Power and corruption in politics.
• The use of blackmail and sexual favors in political dealings.
• The influence of media on public opinion.

Character Interactions

• SPC and the Woman: They meet to exchange evidence and money, with an underlying tension due to their past relationship.
• CPC and Conner: They discuss the leaked recording, with CPC denying involvement and Conner suggesting SPC as the culprit.
• Lin Qi and Conner: Lin Qi helps Conner understand the political dynamics behind the leaked recording.